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Lesson in Civility

Recently Skynews reported in an article “10 things that we can learn from Japan” I thought this was interesting, because beyond the obvious it is a look in the mirror, a way to judge ourselves and the culture in which we are raising our kids. Not so long ago we witnessed the tragedy of Katrina in New Orleans. As much as the hurricane left a path of destruction, the pain came from seeing how our fellow man treated one another. The Rodney King riots is another example. We can debate justice another time, but the actions following the verdict were just a terrible, if not more than the beating of Rodney King. In our country we burn cars in the street and vandalize after a sports team wins a championship.. my goodness.. what are we?
Look at natural disasters that have devastated parts of our world and see what man does in its aftermath. Haiti? New Orleans? Los Angels? Japan? Take a look at a part of the article about the recent devastation in Japan and use it to measure ourselves as a Nation.. as a World.

1. THE CALM- Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.
2. THE DIGNITY- Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture. Their patience is admirable and praiseworthy.
3. THE ABILITY- The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.
4. THE GRACE (Selflessness)- People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.
5. THE ORDER- No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.
6. THE SACRIFICE- Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?
7. THE TENDERNESS- Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.
8. THE TRAINING- The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.
9. THE MEDIA- They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage. Most of all – NO POLITICIANS TRYING TO GET CHEAP MILEAGE.
10. THE CONSCIENCE- When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly.

Now I am not saying the heroic and wonderful things have not happened in our darkest hours, but by and large, we have a lot to learn about civility and humanity. Whats this got to do with a Scouting Blog.
Read the Oath and Law and see how well the Japanese measure up to it.
Just an observation from one Scouter that wants to be better.Have a Great Scouting Day!

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"There are little things in life that helps to ‘center us’, and one of those was your blog. I am feeling more fulfilled now! Glad you are back" - Nate
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Jerry, you’re an excellent communicator, you have a very experienced and level headed view of Scouting and you definitely are a great example of a servant leader. Seriously, I think you should be working for BSA National - Trent